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Inhibition of human pancreatic cancer cell (MIA PaCa-2) growth by cholera toxin and 8-chloro-cAMP in vitro.

The effects of cholera toxin (CT) and 8-chloro-cAMP (8-Cl-cAMP) on cell growth were investigated using two human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines (MIA PaCa-2, Panc-1). CT, which catalyses the ADP ribosylation of Gs, suppresses the proliferation of MIA PaCa-2(PC) cells. CT at the low dose of 0.1 pg ml-1 was inhibitory of PC cell growth, and the maximum suppression (70%) was achieved at a CT concentration of 100 pg ml-1. This phenomenon was reversible. The production of cAMP by CT (100 pg ml-1) in PC cells was enhanced 320-fold compared with the control. In addition, cAMP analogues (8-Cl-cAMP, 8-Br-cAMP) and forskolin decreased the growth rate of PC cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results support the view that CT suppresses PC cell growth by stimulating cAMP production. Conversely, Panc-1 cells were far less sensitive to CT in cell growth and cAMP production. 8-Cl-cAMP was also less effective on Panc-1 cell growth. The binding of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, which has been shown to stimulate PC cell growth in an autocrine manner, to PC cells was not modified in cells treated with CT or 8-Cl-cAMP. The results suggest that the inhibitory actions of these substances do not occur at the level of the receptor for IGF-I or EGF/TGF-alpha. We have previously shown that phorbol esters, which decrease the binding of TGF-alpha to PC cells, has an anti-proliferative activity on these tumour cells. Inhibited cell growth by maximum suppressive dose of CT or 8-Cl-cAMP was further inhibited by TPA. In addition, an oncogene product of K-ras which is commonly activated in pancreatic cancer, was increased by CT and 8-Cl-cAMP. It is concluded that CT and 8-Cl-cAMP inhibit PC cell growth, presumably in a similar manner, and their mechanism(s) of action may be different from that of TPA. The anti-proliferative effect of CT or 8-Cl-cAMP was enhanced by TPA, implying that the combination of these substances results in increased inhibition of the PC cell growth.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K mediates cAMP-PKA and estrogens biological effects on growth and survival.

Cyclic adenosine 3'5' monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) cooperate with phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K) signals in the control of growth and survival. To determine the molecular mechanism(s) involved, we identified and mutagenized a specific serine (residue 83) in p85alpha(PI3K), which is phosphorylated in vivo and in vitro by PKA. Expression of p85alpha(PI3K) mutants (alanine or aspartic substitutions) significantly altered the biological responses of the cells to cAMP. cAMP protection from anoikis was reduced in cells expressing the alanine version p85alpha(PI3K). These cells did not arrest in G1 in the presence of cAMP, whereas cells expressing the aspartic mutant p85D accumulated in G1 even in the absence of cAMP. S phase was still efficiently inhibited by cAMP in cells expressing both mutants. The binding of PI3K to Ras p21 was greatly reduced in cells expressing p85A in the presence or absence of cAMP. Conversely, expression of the aspartic mutant stimulated robustly the binding of PI3K to p21 Ras in the presence of cAMP. Mutation in the Ser 83 inhibited cAMP, but not PDGF stimulation of PI3K. Conversely, the p85D aspartic mutant amplified cAMP stimulation of PI3K activity. Phosphorylation of Ser 83 by cAMP-PKA in p85alpha(PI3K) was also necessary for estrogen signaling as expression of p85A or p85D mutants inhibited or amplified, respectively, the binding of estrogen receptor to p85alpha and AKT phosphorylation induced by estrogens. The data presented indicate that: (1) phosphorylation of Ser 83 in p85alpha(PI3K) is critical for cAMP-PKA induced G1 arrest and survival in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts; (2) this site is necessary for amplification of estrogen signals by cAMP-PKA and related receptors. Finally, these data suggest a general mechanism of PI3K regulation by cAMP, operating in various cell types and under different conditions.

Animals↗

Use of single-cell imaging techniques to assess the regulation of cAMP dynamics.

cAMP is a ubiquitous intracellular signalling molecule that can regulate a wide array of cellular processes. The diversity of action of this second messenger owes much to the localized generation, action and hydrolysis of cAMP within discrete subcellular regions. Further signalling specificity can be achieved by the ability of cells to modulate the frequency or incidence of such cAMP signals. Here, we discuss the use of two cAMP biosensors that measure real-time cAMP changes in the single cell, to address the mechanisms underlying the generation of dynamic cAMP signals. The first method monitors sub-plasmalemmal cAMP changes using mutant cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and identifies an AKAP (A-kinase-anchoring protein)-protein kinase A-PDE4 (phosphodiesterase-4) signalling complex that is central to the generation of dynamic cAMP transients in this region of the cell. The second study uses a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based cAMP probe, based on Epac1 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1), to examine interplay between Ca(2+) and cAMP signals. This study demonstrates real-time oscillations in cAMP driven by a Ca(2+)-stimulated AC (adenylate cyclase) (AC8) and subsequent PDE4 activity. These studies, using two very different single-cell cAMP probes, broaden our understanding of the specific spatiotemporal characteristics of agonist-evoked cAMP signals in a model cell system.

Animals↗

Mechanism of regulation of the Epac family of cAMP-dependent RapGEFs.

Epac1 (cAMP-GEFI) and Epac2 (cAMP-GEFII) are closely related guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for the small GTPase Rap1, which are directly regulated by cAMP. Here we show that both GEFs efficiently activate Rap2 as well. A third member of the family, Repac (GFR), which lacks the cAMP dependent regulatory sequences, is a constitutive activator of both Rap1 and Rap2. In contrast to Epac1, Epac2 contains a second cAMP binding domain at the N terminus, as does the Epac homologue from Caenorhabditis elegans. Affinity measurements show that this distal cAMP binding domain (the A-site) binds cAMP with much lower affinity than the cAMP binding domain proximal to the catalytic domain (the B-site), which is present in both Epac1 and Epac2. Deletion mutant analysis shows that the high affinity cAMP binding domains are sufficient to regulate the GEFs in vitro. Interestingly, isolated fragments containing the B-sites of either Epac1 or Epac2, but not the A-site from Epac2, inhibit the catalytic domains in trans. This inhibition is relieved by the addition of cAMP. In addition to the cAMP binding domains, both Epac1 and Epac2 have a DEP domain. Deletion of this domain does not affect regulation of Epac1 activity but affects membrane localization. From these results, we conclude that all three members of the Epac family regulate both Rap1 and Rap2. Furthermore, we conclude that the catalytic activity of Epac1 is constrained by a direct interaction between GEF and high affinity cAMP binding domains in the absence of cAMP. Epac1 becomes activated by a release of this inhibition when cAMP is bound.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

The cAMP pathway regulates both transcription and activity of the paired homeobox transcription factor Phox2a required for development of neural crest-derived and central nervous system-derived catecholaminergic neurons.

Pluripotent neural crest (NC) cells differentiate to diverse lineages, including the neuronal, sympathoadrenal lineage. In primary NC cultures, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) requires moderate activation of cAMP signaling for induction of the sympathoadrenal lineage. However, the mechanism by which cAMP signaling synergizes with BMP2 to induce the sympathodrenal lineage is unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that moderate activation of cAMP signaling induces both transcription and activity of proneural transcription factor Phox2a. In NC cultures inhibition of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-mediated transcription by expression of dominant-negative CREB suppresses Phox2a transcription and sympathoadrenal lineage development. Interestingly, the constitutively active CREB(DIEDML), despite inducing Phox2a transcription, is insufficient for sympathoadrenal lineage development, requiring activation of the cAMP pathway. Because CREB(DIEDML)-mediates cAMP-dependent transcription without requiring activation by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), these results identify PKA activation as necessary in sympathoadrenal lineage development. Treatment of NC cultures with the PKA inhibitor H89 or 1-10 nm okadaic acid (OA), a serine/threonine PP2A-like phosphatase inhibitor, suppresses sympathoadrenal lineage development. Likewise, OA treatment of the CNS-derived catecholaminergic CAD cell line inhibits cAMP-mediated neuronal differentiation. Specifically, OA inhibits cAMP-mediated Phox2a dephosphorylation, cAMP-dependent Phox2a DNA binding in vitro, and cAMP- and Phox2a-dependent dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-luciferase reporter expression. Together, these results support cAMP-dependent Phox2a dephosphorylation is required for its activation. We conclude that moderate activation of cAMP signaling has dual inputs in catecholaminergic, sympathoadrenal lineage development; that is, regulation of both Phox2a transcription and activity. These results provide the first mechanistic understanding of how moderate activation of the cAMP pathway in synergy with BMP2 promotes sympathoadrenal lineage development.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Adrenocorticotropic hormone and cAMP inhibit noninactivating K+ current in adrenocortical cells by an A-kinase-independent mechanism requiring ATP hydrolysis.

Bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells express a noninactivating K+ current (IAC) that is inhibited by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at picomolar concentrations. Inhibition of IAC may be a critical step in depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry leading to cortisol secretion. In whole-cell patch clamp recordings from AZF cells, we have characterized properties of IAC and the signalling pathway by which ACTH inhibits this current. IAC was identified as a voltage-gated, outwardly rectifying, K(+)-selective current whose inhibition by ACTH required activation of a pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP binding protein. IAC was selectively inhibited by the cAMP analogue 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-pcpt-cAMP) with an IC50 of 160 microM. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (2.5 microM) also reduced IAC by 92 +/- 4.7%. Inhibition of IAC by ACTH, 8-pcpt-cAMP and forskolin was not prevented by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitors H-89 (5 microM), cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor peptide (PKI[5-24]) (2 microM), (Rp)-cAMPS (500 microM), or by the nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine (100 nM) applied externally or intracellularly through the patch pipette. At the same concentrations, these kinase inhibitors abolished 8-pcpt-cAMP-stimulated A-kinase activity in AZF cell extracts. In intact AZF cells, 8-pcpt-cAMP activated A-kinase with an EC50 of 77 nM, a concentration 2,000-fold lower than that inhibiting IAC half maximally. The active catalytic subunit of A-kinase applied intracellularly through the recording pipette failed to alter functional expression of IAC. The inhibition of IAC by ACTH and 8-pcpt-cAMP was eliminated by substituting the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue AMP-PNP for ATP in the pipette solution. Penfluridol, an antagonist of T-type Ca2+ channels inhibited 8-pcpt-cAMP-induced cortisol secretion with an IC50 of 0.33 microM, a concentration that effectively blocks Ca2+ channel in these cells. These results demonstrate that IAC is a K(+)-selective current whose gating is controlled by an unusual combination of metabolic factors and membrane voltage. IAC may be the first example of an ionic current that is inhibited by cAMP through an A-kinase-independent mechanism. The A-kinase-independent inhibition of IAC by ACTH and cAMP through a mechanism requiring ATP hydrolysis appears to be a unique form of channel modulation. These findings suggest a model for cortisol secretion wherein cAMP combines with two separate effectors to activate parallel steroidogenic signalling pathways. These include the traditional A-kinase-dependent signalling cascade and a novel pathway wherein cAMP binding to IAC K+ channels leads to membrane depolarization and Ca2+ entry. The simultaneous activation of A-kinase- and Ca(2+)-dependent pathways produces the full steroidogenic response.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels colocalize with adenylyl cyclase in regions of restricted cAMP diffusion.

Cyclic AMP is a ubiquitous second messenger that coordinates diverse cellular functions. Current methods for measuring cAMP lack both temporal and spatial resolution, leading to the pervasive notion that, unlike Ca(2+), cAMP signals are simple and contain little information. Here we show the development of adenovirus-expressed cyclic nucleotide-gated channels as sensors for cAMP. Homomultimeric channels composed of the olfactory alpha subunit responded rapidly to jumps in cAMP concentration, and their cAMP sensitivity was measured to calibrate the sensor for intracellular measurements. We used these channels to detect cAMP, produced by either heterologously expressed or endogenous adenylyl cyclase, in both single cells and cell populations. After forskolin stimulation, the endogenous adenylyl cyclase in C6-2B glioma cells produced high concentrations of cAMP near the channels, yet the global cAMP concentration remained low. We found that rapid exchange of the bulk cytoplasm in whole-cell patch clamp experiments did not prevent the buildup of significant levels of cAMP near the channels in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells expressing an exogenous adenylyl cyclase. These results can be explained quantitatively by a cell compartment model in which cyclic nucleotide-gated channels colocalize with adenylyl cyclase in microdomains, and diffusion of cAMP between these domains and the bulk cytosol is significantly hindered. In agreement with the model, we measured a slow rate of cAMP diffusion from the whole-cell patch pipette to the channels (90% exchange in 194 s, compared with 22-56 s for substances that monitor exchange with the cytosol). Without a microdomain and restricted diffusional access to the cytosol, we are unable to account for all of the results. It is worth noting that in models of unrestricted diffusion, even in extreme proximity to adenylyl cyclase, cAMP does not reach high enough concentrations to substantially activate PKA or cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, unless the entire cell fills with cAMP. Thus, the microdomains should facilitate rapid and efficient activation of both PKA and cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, and allow for local feedback control of adenylyl cyclase. Localized cAMP signals should also facilitate the differential regulation of cellular targets.

Adenoviridae↗

Characterization and Regional Distribution of a Class of Synapses with Highly Concentrated cAMP Binding Sites in the Rat Brain.

A class of putative synaptic terminals with concentrated cAMP binding sites are labelled in unfixed sections of rat brain by means of the ligand 8-thioacetamido fluorescein cAMP (SAF-cAMP), a fluorescent analogue of cAMP. The labelled terminals appear as sharply delimited bouton-like structures in close proximity but external to the cell body of neurons. The SAF-cAMP binding, measured at equilibrium in competition with other nucleotides, indicates that the binding site recognizes the cAMP moiety of SAF-cAMP. In the labelled terminals of the frontal cortex the concentration of SAF-cAMP binding sites is estimated to be in the millimolar range (at least 2.1 +/- 1.0 mM). In a brain homogenate, labelled terminals are visualized only in the membrane fraction enriched in synaptosomes. The cAMP binding activity of the synaptosomes is insoluble in high and in low ionic strength solution and is only partially solubilized by detergents, suggesting that the binding sites are intrinsic membrane proteins and/or proteins associated with the cytoskeleton. There is the possibility that SAF-cAMP labels new cAMP binding sites highly concentrated in a class of synaptic terminals. SAF-cAMP labelling is prominent in well defined regions of the rat brain: (i) the frontal and entorhinal areas of the cortex; (ii) the field CA1 of the hippocampus; (iii) the olfactory system; (iv) the medial nuclei of the thalamus; (v) the parabrachial nuclei and other less defined regions of the reticular substance; (vi) the substantia gelatinosa of Rolando in the spinal cord; and (vii) the neo- and paleocerebellum in the Purkinje cell layer, the archicerebellum in the granular cell layer. SAF-cAMP labelling is absent in specific motor and sensory structures, with the exception of the olfactory system. It is proposed that SAF-cAMP binding sites single out a new type of synaptic terminals involved in complex nervous functions.

Journal Article↗

Inhibition of basolateral cAMP permeability in the toad urinary bladder.

1. The effect of sulphonylurea drugs on hydrosmotic flow across toad urinary bladder epithelium was re-evaluated in the present study. Glibenclamide, added to the basolateral medium, significantly enhanced the osmotic flow induced by low doses of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or forskolin (FK), while it inhibited the effect of exogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or its non-hydrolysable bromo derivative, 8-Br-cAMP, added to the basolateral medium. These opposite effects of glibenclamide on the transepithelial osmotic flow can be explained by a reduction of cAMP permeability across the basolateral membrane of the epithelium. The decrease in cAMP permeability leads, according to the direction of the cAMP gradient, to firstly an enhanced osmotic flow when cAMP is generated intracellularly by addition of ADH and FK, glibenclamide reducing cAMP exit from the cell, and secondly a decreased osmotic flow in response to cAMP (and 8-Br-cAMP) added to the basolateral medium, glibenclamide inhibiting, in this case, their entry into the cell. 2. The demonstration that glibenclamide actually inhibits the basolateral cAMP permeability rests on the fact that firstly it decreases the release of cAMP into the basolateral medium by about 40 %, at each concentration of ADH or forskolin tested, secondly it increases the cAMP content of paired hemibladders incubated in the presence of ADH or FK, when intracellular degradation was prevented by phosphodiesterase inhibition, and thirdly it decreases also the uptake of basolateral 8-Br-[3H]cAMP into paired toad hemibladders. 3. Taken together, the present data demonstrate that glibenclamide inhibits the toad urinary bladder basolateral membrane permeability to cAMP, most probably by a direct interaction with a membrane protein not yet indentified but distinct from the sulphonylurea receptor.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Effect of ischemic preconditioning of the myocardium on cAMP.

Reduction of cAMP has been implicated in the protection of ischemic preconditioning (IP), but until now, this possibility has not been directly addressed. In this study, we found that in the in vivo rabbit heart 10 to 30 minutes of sustained regional ischemia was accompanied by a nearly twofold rise in cAMP levels. This increase in cAMP was attenuated when sustained ischemia was preceded by IP induced with a single cycle of transient ischemia and reperfusion (TI/R) and prevented when ischemia was preceded by three cycles of TI/R. The mechanism of cAMP reduction by IP does not involve activation of protein kinase C (PKC), since the PKC inhibitor polymyxin B (24 mg/kg) did not raise cAMP levels during sustained ischemia in IP hearts. Furthermore, this effect is also not mediated by reduced responsiveness of the beta-adrenergic effector pathway, since both nonischemic hearts and hearts subjected to three cycles of TI/R exhibited similar increases in cAMP in response to 5 micrograms/kg isoproterenol. However, propranolol (0.75 mg/kg) abolished the rise in cAMP levels observed during sustained ischemia in control hearts but did not reduce cAMP levels further in IP hearts. These data indicate that the ischemia-induced rise in cAMP levels in control hearts was mediated by activation of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Taken together with data demonstrating that beta-adrenergic responsiveness was not affected by IP, these data support the conclusion that the lack of elevation in cAMP levels observed during sustained ischemia in IP hearts is mediated by an attenuation of norepinephrine release. To examine whether the protection of IP against necrosis was mediated by the lack of elevation in cAmp levels, we determined whether the infarct size-limiting effect of IP could be blocked by NKH477, an activator of adenylyl cyclase. Four groups or rabbits were subjected to 30 minutes of in vivo regional ischemia and 90 minutes of reperfusion. Control hearts (n = 10) had 53.6 +/- 5.5% infarction of the area at risk. IP with three cycles of transient ischemia limited infarct size to 3.2 +/- 1.3% (N = 13, p < .0001). NKH477 (45 micrograms/kg) increased average cAMP levels in IP hearts during sustained ischemia to levels similar to those in untreated control hearts. However, NKH477 did not block IP (50.2 +/- 7.7% of the area at risk was infarcted in the control +NKH477 group [n = 10] versus 10.0 +/- 5.9% in the IP + NKH477 group [n = 7], P < .05). Therefore, we conclude that although IP lowers cAMP levels during sustained ischemia, this effect is not necessary for its protection against necrosis, since raising cAMP does not block this protection of IP.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Effect of cAMP on porcine ciliary transepithelial short-circuit current, sodium transport, and chloride transport.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 8-bromo-cAMP (cAMP) on porcine ciliary transepithelial short-circuit current (Isc) and transport of chloride (Cl-) and sodium (Na+). METHODS: With Ussing-type chambers, cAMP-induced changes in Isc, electrical resistance (ER), and transepithelial 36Cl- and 22Na+ fluxes were measured. Drugs were applied to the nonpigmented epithelium (NPE) and/or pigmented epithelium (PE) side(s). The effect of IBMX (1, 5, or 10 microM; 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) on Isc-increase induced by 8-bromo-cAMP on the PE side was also tested. RESULTS: On the NPE side, a single concentration (10 microM, 100 microM, or 1 mM) of 8-bromo-cAMP induced a biphasic (transient peak followed by sustained plateau) Isc increase. On the PE side, 8-bromo-cAMP induced a similar but delayed biphasic Isc increase at 1 mM, a slight plateau-Isc increase at 100 microM, and no Isc increase at 10 microM. In the concentration-response curve, the cAMP-induced peak-Isc increase became significant at a concentration 10,000 times lower on the NPE than on the PE side. At 10 microM, the cumulative cAMP-induced Isc-increase reached its maximum on the NPE side, but was virtually nonexistent on the PE side. IBMX (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) but not 8-CPT-6-Phe-cAMP (higher permeability than 8-bromo-cAMP) significantly increased the peak-Isc concentration-response curve induced by 8-bromo-cAMP (10 nM-1 mM) on the PE side. On the NPE but not the PE side, 10 microM 8-bromo-cAMP induced a significant but transient increase in net PE-to-NPE 36Cl- flux (1.03 +/- 0.18 microEq/min per square centimeter; P < 0.001). Neither ER nor transepithelial 22Na+ flux was changed after cAMP exposure. CONCLUSIONS: In porcine ciliary processes, apparently on the NPE side, cAMP triggers a biphasic (transient peak followed by a sustained plateau) Isc increase. Only the peak-Isc increase involves an increase in net PE-to-NPE Cl- transport.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Retinal cAMP levels during the progression of retinal degeneration in rhodopsin P23H and S334ter transgenic rats.

PURPOSE: To test whether high levels of cAMP promote apoptosis and shorten the life of retinal rod photoreceptors, the changes in cAMP levels during retinal degeneration were analyzed in two transgenic rat models that express rhodopsin P23H and S334ter mutations. METHODS: Dark- and light-adapted heterozygous P23H (lines 1 and 3; P23H-1 and -3), S334ter line 4 (S334ter-4), and Sprague-Dawley (control) rats were studied at 4 to 8 weeks by cAMP enzyme competitive immunoassay and by cAMP immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: In control animals retinal cAMP content reached a steady state level at 30 days of age. Dark-adapted control retinas had up to 97% higher cAMP content than light-adapted retinas, and photoreceptor cells were the major source of this increase. Dark-adapted photoreceptors in all three lines of transgenic rats at advanced stages of retinal degeneration had cAMP content different from that of the control. In rats that express mutant rhodopsin, the number of photoreceptor cells was progressively reduced, because of retinal degeneration, but dark-adapted cAMP levels did not decline accordingly. P23H transgenic animals of both lines had higher levels of cAMP per photoreceptor cell count than control animals. This elevation was more pronounced as degeneration progressed. S334ter animals showed smaller cAMP elevation than P23H rats at a similar stage of retinal degeneration, but at a point when S334ter rats were undergoing rapid retinal degeneration, whereas in P23H rats retinal degeneration was slowing down. CONCLUSIONS: All three lines of transgenic rats carrying rhodopsin mutations show an increase in dark-adapted photoreceptor cAMP levels. A complex relationship exists between cAMP levels and the rate of cell death in the retina. Although initially higher levels of cAMP may promote cell survival and slow down retinal degeneration, ultimately, elevated cAMP levels may become toxic and may contribute to retinal cell death.

Animals↗

Central role of cAMP in the inhibition of glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis promoted by leptin and insulin in perfused rat liver.

Leptin showed less prominent inhibiting effect on the activation of hepatic glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis promoted by cAMP. The role of cAMP in the inhibition of glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis induced by physiological levels of leptin (10 ng/ml) and insulin (20 microU/ml) in the perfused liver was investigated. Insulin but not leptin inhibited (p < 0.05) the activation of glycogen breakdown promoted by cAMP (3 microM). Contrary to cAMP, the activation of glycogen catabolism promoted by 8-Br-cAMP (0.3 microM), a cAMP analogue more resistant to hydrolysis by phosphodiesterase 3B (PD3B), was inhibited (p < 0.05) not only by insulin (20 microU/ml) but also by leptin (10 ng/ml). The effect of leptin, however, was less intense than that of insulin. To verify the participation of the intracellular levels of cAMP, the experiments were repeated with N(6)-monobutyryl-cAMP (N(6)-MB-cAMP), a cAMP analogue, which is not metabolized by PD3B. The activation of glycogen breakdown promoted by N(6)-MB-cAMP (0.3 microM) was not affected by leptin or insulin. In agreement with the results regarding glycogen catabolism, insulin and leptin at 50 ng/ml but not leptin at 10 ng/ml inhibited (p < 0.05) the activation of gluconeogenesis promoted by cAMP (7.5 microM). Taken together, these results led us to postulate that the convergent signaling pathways of these two hormones causing the inhibition of glycogen catabolism and gluconeogenesis involve a reduction of intracellular cAMP. Thus, cAMP levels may play an important role in the cross talk between both hormones and for the insulin-like effects of leptin.

Animals↗

Properties and hormonal regulation of two structurally related cAMP phosphodiesterases from the rat Sertoli cell.

Upon exposure to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the gonadotropin-responsive Sertoli cell expresses increased rolipram-sensitive cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) activity. To understand the mechanisms leading to this activation, the cAMP-PDEs present in the Sertoli cell were characterized and their regulation studied. Comparison of the conceptual translates of two groups of PDE cDNA clones isolated from a Sertoli cell cDNA library (ratPDE3 and ratPDE4) showed that the encoded proteins were structurally similar, containing a core region of 455 amino acids with a sequence identity of 87%. The amino and carboxyl termini were divergent. Expression of these cDNAs in Escherichia coli and monkey COS-7 cells demonstrated that the encoded cAMP-PDEs had similar affinities for the cAMP substrate and were equally sensitive to a number of PDE inhibitors (rolipram greater than Ro 20-1724 greater than cilostamide). FSH stimulation of the Sertoli cell produced an increased rate of transcription of the ratPDE3 gene and elevated mRNA levels for ratPDE3 and to a lesser extent of ratPDE4. The increase in mRNA levels was detected after 1 h of stimulation. Forskolin, cholera toxin, and N6, O2'-dibutyryl cAMP produced a similar increase in rate of transcription and elevated mRNA levels, indicating that this activation is mediated by an increase in intracellular cAMP. RatPDE4 mRNA levels were maximal upon exposure to 10 ng of FSH/ml, whereas ratPDE3 mRNA levels could be further elevated, with higher FSH concentrations. The intensity of an immunoreactive band with characteristics identical to a purified cAMP-PDE, correlated with the increased cAMP hydrolytic activity after FSH or dibutyryl cAMP treatment, demonstrating that changes in cAMP-PDE protein levels are involved in this regulation. These data provide evidence that multiple cAMP-PDE forms are expressed in the rat Sertoli cell. Although differences in the pattern of activation of these forms were observed, these data show, that in the rat Sertoli cell, the cAMP-PDE activity is regulated by hormones via a novel mechanism that involves a cAMP-dependent activation of transcription of a PDE gene.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

[The diagnostic value of the determination of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in urine].

Many hormones initiate their biologic actions by augmenting the intracellular concentrations of 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). The nucleotide has been found in body fluids; its determination in plasma and urine can be performed by a rapid, simple and specific method: the cyclic AMP assay kit of the Radiochemical Centre (Amersham, England). The assay is based on the competition between unlabelled cAMP and a fixed quantity of the tritium labelled compound for binding to a bovine muscle protein which has a high specificity and affinity for cAMP. Different factors must be considered in evaluating the 24 h urinary content of the nucleotide: the renal or extrarenal origin of cAMP and the functional status of the kidneys. In basal conditions the urinary cAMP excretion is significantly correlated with creatinine excretion (n = 67; r = 0.47; p less than 0.001) thus confirming that the most part of cAMP excreted is derived from the plasma by glomerular filtration. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates adenylate cyclase predominantly in the renal cortex, whereas vasopressin (ADH) stimulated the enzyme in the medulla; thus PTH and ADH could increase the amount of cAMP in the urine from the renal source. In a case of diabetes insipidus and infusion of ADH caused a prompt rise in cAMP urinary excretion. In 5 normals an infusion of bovine synthetic parathyroid hormone caused an increased excretion of cAMP that preceded the phosphaturic response. An infusion of salmon synthetic calcitonin caused a rise in phosphate excretion and no increase in cAMP urinary content. As it concerns the two calciotopic hormones, PTH and CT, it is reasonable to assume that renal receptors are distinct. The 24 h urinary excretion of cAMP in 55 control subjects (3613 +/- 1460 D.S. n moles) was contrasted with the lower excretion in 25 elderly subjects (70-93 years: 1804 +/- 699 n moles), with the high cAMP excretion in a patient with hyperparathyroidism (that fell to normal values following removal of the parathyroid adenoma) and with the low cAMP excretion in patients with primary or surgical hypoparathyroidism. The mean 24 h cAMP excretion in patients with renal insufficiency was significantly decreased when compared to control subjects. These findings and recent reports confirm that the 24 h urinary output of cAMP may be considered an useful index of pharathyroid function in man.

Adult↗

Examination of relative rates of cAMP synthesis and degradation in crude membranes of adipocytes treated with hormones.

The impact of changes in the activation state of the low Km cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) on cAMP output in adipocyte membranes was assessed by measuring the product of cAMP synthesis and degradation in the membrane preparation simultaneously. Crude membranes were prepared from adipocytes treated with the cAMP analog, 8-pCl phi S-cAMP and from adipocytes treated with 2 nM insulin. Using membranes from control and treated cells, adenylate cyclase was activated with various concentrations of forskolin and cAMP production (synthesis minus degradation) was measured with and without complete PDE inhibition using the specific inhibitor CI-914. Half maximal inhibition of the low Km cAMP PDEs in control membranes was produced by 1.16 +/- 0.07 microM CI-914 and greater than 98% of the activity was inhibited by 100 microM CI-914. The I50 and the concentration of CI-914 producing complete PDE inhibition in membranes from 8-pCl phi S-cAMP or insulin-treated cells were identical to those seen in membranes from control cells. Treatment of adipocytes with 8-pCl phi S-cAMP or with insulin did not modify basal rates of cAMP synthesis or alter the ability of adenylate cyclase to be activated by forskolin. The impact of PDE activity on cAMP accumulation was relatively small in membranes from control cells, but treatment of adipocytes with 8-pCl phi S-cAMP or with insulin activated the low Km cAMP PDE and caused a marked decrease in cAMP accumulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Functional characterization of cAMP-binding mutations in type I protein kinase.

A mutant form of the type I regulatory subunit (RI) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase has been cloned and sequenced (Clegg, C. H., Correll, L. A., Cadd, G. C., and McKnight, G. S. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 13111-13119) which contains two point mutations in the site B cAMP-binding site, a Gly to Asp at position this report, the effect of each independent mutation on the rate of dissociation of cAMP from RI, the cAMP-mediated activation of holoenzyme and the inducibility of cAMP-responsive genes has been characterized. Dissociation of cAMP from either recombinant wild type RI or the B1 mutant demonstrated biphasic kinetics, indicating two sites with different affinities for cAMP. Dissociation from the B2 subunit, however, was monophasic and very rapid indicating that site B had been destroyed and that the rate of dissociation from site A was increased. The cAMP activation constants (Ka) of the wild type and B1 holoenzymes were 40 and 188 nM, respectively, and demonstrated positive cooperativity, with Hill coefficients of 1.61 for the wild type and 1.67 for B1. The B2 holoenzyme required much greater concentrations of cAMP, 4.7 microM, for half-maximal activation and did not display positive cooperativity. Constitutive expression in mouse AtT20 pituitary cells of the B1 mutant resulted in only a small shift in the Ka for kinase activation in these cells compared with B2 expression which increased the Ka by more than 100-fold. Transient expression of the B1 subunit in human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells inhibited forskolin activation of a cAMP-responsive promoter by 35% whereas similar expression of the B2 RI subunit inhibited the response by 90%. These results suggest that the Gly to Asp mutation at amino acid 324 completely blocks cAMP binding to site B whereas the Arg to His mutation at position 332 causes a more subtle alteration in cAMP binding. Expression of either mutant RI in animal cells results in a dominant repression of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity and cAMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ligand-induced modification of a surface cAMP receptor of Dictyostelium discoideum does not require its occupancy.

In Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae, cAMP-induced phosphorylation of the surface cAMP receptor is associated with a discrete transition in its electrophoretic mobility. The native and modified forms of the receptor are designated R and D (Mr = 40,000 and 43,000). The relationship of the number of receptors which are modified as a function of the receptors which bind cAMP was investigated. Modification was assessed by determining the amounts of R and D forms in Western blots which detect all receptors whether or not they are exposed on the surface. Cyclic AMP or the analog, adenosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioate ((Rp)-cAMPS), induced a loss of cAMP-binding activity (down-regulation), which was not accompanied by a loss of the receptor protein. About 60% of the receptors do not bind cAMP in the absence of Ca2+ and are unmasked by 10 mM Ca2+. However, the fraction of receptors which are modified in response to cAMP is equal in the absence or presence of Ca2+. (Rp)-cAMPs induces down-regulation (50%) but not modification. Addition of cAMP, following down-regulation by (Rp)-cAMPS, causes all receptors to be modified. cAMP induces both down-regulation (80%) and modification. Modification is more readily reversed than down-regulation: 30 min after removal of cAMP, receptors remain down-regulated (57%) but are found in the R form. All receptors shift to the D form when cAMP is readded to the cells. These results indicate that exposed, as well as cryptic and down-regulated receptors, are modified in response to the cAMP stimulus.

Calcium↗